Is LASIK Surgery Right For You?

Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery is a common and effective outpatient procedure performed to correct a wide arrange of vision problems. Refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia can potentially be treated with LASIK surgery; however, it is important to consider your individual circumstances to ensure that this procedure is right for you.

LASIK Surgery and Pre-Existing Conditions

If you have a history of pre-existing eye conditions such as chronic dry eye, keratoconus, thin corneas, or large pupils. When searching for LASIK in West Des Moines, it is essential to have a thorough workup by experienced opticians to identify any issues that may prevent you from having the most successful outcome with LASIK surgery. Even if you have pre-existing conditions that preclude LASIK surgery, there are very effective alternatives. Other temporary conditions like infection, inflammation, or any other acute injury must also be identified and treated prior to considering LASIK surgery as well.

How Bad is Your Vision?

Your level of refractive error must be considered as well. If you have very limited nearsightedness or farsightedness, you may want to strongly consider the costs and benefits of undergoing LASIK surgery, as the degree of correction you’ll require may not be worth the cost. Conversely, if you have a very severe refractive error, you may still require corrective lenses after the procedure.

Other Factors

Finally, age and pregnancy status also play a role in how effective LASIK surgery can be. If you’re under the age of 21, you may want to wait until your prescription stabilizes, as younger people tend to have more rapid changes in refractive error. Having regular exams as you get older will help determine when your prescription starts to stabilize, and LASIK surgery becomes more feasible. Similarly, individuals that are pregnant or breastfeeding also see fluctuations in their refractive error. Because of this, waiting until your prescription stabilizes is highly recommended.

Undergoing LASIK surgery is a significant decision and many factors need to be considered. While it is a highly beneficial and successful procedure, a full evaluation and conversation about LASIK are essential. When being seen for LASIK in West Des Moines, the experts at Lock Family Eye Care will ensure that you have all of the knowledge and care needed to get the most out of your LASIK surgery. You can call us at 515-267-1312 to schedule an appointment today!